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The NFL announced Tuesday it has reduced its two-game suspension for Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis for his hit on Green Bay Packers receiver Davante Adams.

Coach Mike McCarthy on Thursday ruled out Adams, who remained in the concussion protocol.

Adams returned from his previous two concussions without missing a game. Earlier this season, he caught two touchdown passes -- including the game-winner in the final seconds -- at Dallas just 10 days after he was taken off the field on a gurney and spent a night in the hospital following a hit by Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan. Like Davis, Trevathan served a one-game suspension.

Last season, Adams returned four days after a concussion against the Cowboys to play in a Thursday night game against the Bears and caught 13 passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns.

On Wednesday, McCarthy said the team had not discussed the possibility of shutting down Adams for the remainder of the season. The Packers have been eliminated from playoff contention with two games remaining.

Davante Adams is helped off the field after suffering a concussion on Sunday. Davante Adams

"He's pissed off," McCarthy said earlier this week. "He's irritated. He's angry. He wants to be out there. He's our best perimeter player, and he was knocked out of the game at a critical time in the game, and now he can't play again. I think it's only natural. He's irritated that he's in this spot."

Fellow Packers receiver Randall Cobb called Davis' hit "bulls---" and said Adams was "frustrated" to be in this position again.

Adams leads the team with 74 catches, 885 yards and 10 touchdowns. He ranks second in the NFL in touchdowns behind only Houston's DeAndre Hopkins (12). He's in the final year of his rookie contract and would be one of the most coveted receivers on the free-agent market if he's healthy and the Packers don't re-sign him before then.

The Packers could also be without their top two pass rushers against the Vikings. Clay Matthews (hamstring) and Nick Perry (ankle/shoulder) have yet to practice this week. McCarthy said Matthews has a better chance to play Saturday than Perry.